M A I N   N E W S

Musharraf to persuade ultras

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (ANI) — Pakistan’s military ruler General Pervez Musharraf today admitted that his writ runs large among the militants in Kashmir when he told the Financial Times in an interview that following his talks with US President Bill Clinton, he would try to persuade the militant outfits to help reduce tension and pave the way for the two neighbours to resume talks.

Asked if Mr Clinton’s visit to Islamabad last week would help create a congenial atmosphere in the subcontinent for an Indo-Pak dialogue to resume, General Musharraf replied in the affirmative.

He said he was prepared to open a dialogue with India at “any time any place” over the Kashmir imbroglio. After his talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, General Musharraf said he had certain objectives to achieve before he could give a time-frame for a return to democracy in the country. He said first he would hold elections for a three-tier system of local bodies between December, 2000 and September, 2001. Once his governance and economic reforms were irreversible, democracy would be restored and he would quit, he said.

Pakistan’s chief executive also said that he saw no greater threat from India after the Kargil conflict.

“As long as our deterrent in the conventional and unconventional field is there, the threat is not really that great,” he said.

Reuters adds: Mr Clinton on Saturday had urged Pakistan to open a dialogue with India over Kashmir, ban nuclear testing and make economic development its top priorities.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad has urged Pakistan’s military ruler to restore democracy to his country.

Mr Mahathir yesterday made the appeal to General Musharraf. The appeal was made at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur between the two, the state-run Bernama news agency said.

General Musharraf had arrived yesterday in Malaysia for a three-day working visit, the first leg of his weeklong South-East Asian tour that also would take him to Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said General Musharraf told Mr Mahathir that he intended to restore civilian rule in Pakistan. The Pakistani leader said he had no plans to stay in power indefinitely, Mr Syed Hamid said after the meeting.

Pakistani news reports said his visit was aimed at strengthening trade and economic relations with South-East Asia, given the difficulties faced by Pakistan following the coup.

Malaysia, which has criticised the coup, made clear that General Musharraf’s visit was made on his own request and that it did not signify recognition of his government by Kuala Lumpur. General Musharraf said today he expected to resume in June talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at reviving a stalled-aid programme.